We are going to learn about two different types of things in sentences called direct objects and indirect objects. They are different from each other and have specific jobs in sentences. We will look at examples of these objects in sentences and learn how to tell them apart. We will also see how they help sentences make sense and talk about some common mistakes people make with them. Let’s get started!
What are Direct and Indirect Objects?
Before we discuss the distinctions between direct and indirect objects, it is important to first establish their definitions. Direct and indirect objects are two categories of objects found in a sentence. An object, which can be a noun, pronoun, or phrase, receives the action of the verb in a sentence. Put simply, the object is the recipient of the action.
Direct objects are nouns or pronouns that receive the action of the verb directly in a sentence. For instance, in the statement “The dog chased the cat,” the direct object is “the cat” because it is the one receiving the action of being chased.
Indirect objects are nouns or pronouns that indicate who/what the action of the verb is performed for. In other words, it is the recipient of the direct object. For example, in the sentence “She gave him the book,” the indirect object is “he,” since he is the recipient of our direct object “the book.”
Direct vs Indirect Objects: What’s the Difference?
The primary distinction is that direct objects directly receive the action of the verb, while indirect objects specify the recipient of the action. Put simply, direct objects receive the action of the verb, while indirect objects receive the direct object.
In the sentence “She gave the flowers to her mother,” “the flowers” serve as the direct object, receiving the action of the verb “gave,” while “her mother” acts as the indirect object, indicating the recipient of the flowers.
Another way to differentiate between direct and indirect objects is to ask questions:
In order to identify the direct object in a sentence, ask “What?” or “Whom?” after the verb. For instance, in the sentence “He ate the pizza,” asking “What did he eat?” reveals “the pizza” as the direct object.
To determine the indirect object, inquire “To whom?” or “For whom?” or “For what?” or “To what?” after the verb. For example, in the sentence “She gave him the book,” asking “To whom did she give the book?” identifies “him” as the indirect object.
Examples of Direct and Indirect Objects in Sentences
Here are 20 examples of sentences with both direct and indirect objects:
Direct Object (DO) – receives the action of the verb.
Indirect Object (IO) – receives the direct object or is affected by the action.
1. She gave him a book.
– DO: book
– IO: him
2. They bought us some flowers.
– DO: flowers
– IO: us
3. He sent her a postcard.
– DO: postcard
– IO: her
4. I made my sister a sandwich.
– DO: sandwich
– IO: my sister
5. The teacher assigned the students a project.
– DO: project
– IO: the students
6. They brought me some cake.
– DO: cake
– IO: me
7. We showed our friends our vacation photos.
– DO: vacation photos
– IO: our friends
8. He offered them some advice.
– DO: advice
– IO: them
9. She cooked her family a delicious dinner.
– DO: dinner
– IO: her family
10. I wrote him a letter.
– DO: letter
– IO: him
11. They left us a note.
– DO: note
– IO: us
12. She bought her son a new toy.
– DO: toy
– IO: her son
13. He brought his girlfriend some flowers.
– DO: flowers
– IO: his girlfriend
14. We gave the dog a treat.
– DO: treat
– IO: the dog
15. They handed the clerk the money.
– DO: money
– IO: the clerk
16. She showed the audience her talent.
– DO: talent
– IO: the audience
17. I offered my friend a ride home.
– DO: ride
– IO: my friend
18. They promised their parents good grades.
– DO: good grades
– IO: their parents
19. He brought his wife breakfast in bed.
– DO: breakfast
– IO: his wife
20. She taught her students English grammar.
– DO: English grammar
– IO: her students
Frequently Asked Questions About Direct and Indirect Objects in English
How are indirect objects different from direct objects?
Direct objects receive the action, while indirect objects are affected by the action.
How to identify an indirect object?
The indirect object is connected to the verb indirectly. To identify an indirect object in a sentence, locate the verb and ask who or what it is for.
What is a direct object?
This refers to a person or thing that receives the action of a verb.
What is an indirect object?
A noun phrase that describes the person or thing impacted by a verb’s action.
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